Tuesday, June 22, 2010

If you have wondered where I have been, then you are asking a reasonable question. As many of you can relate, life has become very busy lately. I have decided with much hesitation to postpone this year's challenge for another time. I still plan to offer my mouth to the Lord, however, I am not taking the time to meditate, study, pray, and blog about the challenge. I simply could not keep up with the challenge....frankly, It is quite a challenge.

I appreciate all the readers and support you have given me. I plan to blog as often as I find time. My blogs will pertain to anything under the sun. So please come back to visit whenever you have a chance.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The definition for humility left me wanting, empty, and lacking. I felt the definition didn't tell me enough about the state of being humble. I checked a thesaurus and found the following words: meekness, timidity, self-abasement, self-abnegation, submissiveness, servility, obedience, docility, modesty. Of course, I had to look up some of those words. Self-abasement means "humbling oneself." Self-abnegation means "lack of consideration for oneself or one's own interest; self-denial." (Webster New World Dictionary p. 1300.) Servility means to become like a servant or a slave. Even though the dictionary helps me to understand better the meaning of the word humility, the Bible provides an example that teaches far more.

Jesus left heaven and all its glory for me. He left his home not to make a name for himself. He gave up the comfort, tranquility, and love not to receive honor or praise. He gave up all things that made his life good so that mine would not be fatal. Jesus thought of me rather than himself.

Not only did Jesus leave heaven, he came to earth as a lesser, weaker being, a human. Not only did he become human, he became the lowest of humans. Isaiah 53:2b-3 says "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

I really like what Isaiah prophesies next in verse 4 and 5. "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed four our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Jesus, MY LORD, SAVIOR, AND KING, lowered himself into a person of no power, no wealth, of no beauty or position. He had no earthly comfort or acceptance. He abased himself. He abnegated himself. He humbled himself. He didn't consider his own interest. Rather, he considered my needs, my interests. He considered that I would die without him. He considered that I would be lost, sick, and broken unless he came. He knew he would not only live a life of humility, but humble himself unto death. He did this because I need it. My salvation depends upon it!

Paul depicts humility with the example of Jesus's life and death. "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)

Wow. I haven't known any greater humility. I haven't known any greater love! Jesus told his disciples "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. Love shows itself in humility. 1 Corinthians 13 speaks about love and says that love is not proud or self-seeking (verses 4 and 5).

In Philippians, Paul tells his readers to have the same attitude as Christ, to be humble. We are to not consider our own selves better than others but to consider the interest of others above our own (2:3-5). We are to be submissive to one another, obedient to the commands of God...you have heard the command, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself."

If you, like me, want to understand humility better. If you like me, need to learn how to become humble. If you like me, should self-abnegate, self-abase, become like a servant, obedient, then you as well as me, need to take a closer look at Jesus. We need to be reading about Jesus. We need to be spending time looking at His example of love and humility. We need to spend time with our LORD, SAVIOR, AND KING. Allow me to leave you with a few scriptures:Proverbs 22:4 "Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, and honor and life."Proverbs 15:33 "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."Psalm 149:4 "For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation."

Monday, April 19, 2010

Philippians 4: 8 commands us think about anthing admirable. But what is admirable? Admirable means inspiring or deserving or adoration/praise. There are wonderful people, places, things and ideas that may fall into this catagory.

I have met people who give their lives to reach the lost and people who give their time to help the poor and sick. I know people who provide care for the elderly. There are places where anyone can recieve kindness, charity, and love. Many churches, nonprofit organizations that offer counseling, as well as places like Disaster Relief. There are events set up just to raise money to assist others whether it is for cancer research, monetary assistance to people suffering from a particular problem, or to raise funds to install a radio tower so that the world can hear the Gospel. Many of us think of ways to serve, be kind, to be generous, to be selfless, to love everyday.

These people, events, and ideas encourage us and inspire us. The apostle Paul has said, "think of such things!" These things are admirable. Instead of thinking about illness, pain, hurt feelings; rather than entertaining jealous thoughts, slanderous words, gossip, lies, and anger, we should fix our mind upon the Spirit of God whose fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control(Galatians 5:22, 23). We should stop the thoughts that lead us to think poorly of oneself and others and remember each other for the gifts that God has given us. We should think of whatever is admirable!

The ablility to think of admirable things comes from God alone. He alone gives us His Spirit which manifests itself with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. Therefore, our thoughts should be fixed on God. God is admirable. God inspires. God is worthy of adoration and praise.

"Let us rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 Let us be glad, happy, delighted and full of joy. Let us rejoice in the Lord. We don't have to give our minds over to the things of the world that are full of hate. So, let us fix our mind on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2) and Rejoice! Let's offer our minds to God, who is the most admirable of all the heavens and earth.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

What do you think of when you hear the word "MAJESTY"? I always thought of the spectacular views of creations such as grand mountains, trees glassed with ice, the vast ocean, wide open fields of the great plains, desert sunsets, grand water falls, lightening storms, etc. Everyone has an image of what they consider majestic whether it be the Grande Canyon or the Grand Cayman.

Majesty is defined as the dignigty or power of a sovereign, grandeur, illustriousness, greatness. Sovereign means superior to others, chief, supreme authority, power or rank. Grandeur means splendor, magnificence, impressiveness, eminence, glory, and brillancy. Perhaps these images of majesty within creation provide us with a glimpse of our Lord.

However, in my recent word study through scripture, I found majesty to depict a completely different idea. Exodus 15:6-11, the author describes the right arm of God wiping out the enemy within Egypt with His majesty.

Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power.

Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy.

In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you.

You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.

By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.

The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy boasted, I will pursue, I will overtake them.

I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them.

I will draw my sword an my hand will destroy them.

But you blew with your breath and the sea covered them.

They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

'Who among the gods is like you, O Lord?

Who is like you-

majestic in holiness,

awesome in glory,

working wonders?'

Other scriptures reference the majesty of God being something to fear and to flee. Isaiah 2:10 states, "Go into the rocks, hide in the ground fromt he dread of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty!" Verse 19 states, "Men will flee to caves in the rocks and to the holes in the ground from the dread of the Lord adn the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth." And verse 21 states, "They will flee to caverns in the rocks and to the overhanging crags from the dread of the Lord and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth." This is the first I ever confronted majesty to be frightening. Yet, should I be? Have I a need to be frightened of the Lord's majesty? Should I dread the day when God shakes the earth?

Again, Psalm 110:3 says, "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth." Troops? Battle? Does the author here really think of God's majesty being a vast army standing in power, authority ready for battle and dressed for victory? I hope so! I need this majestic God who overcomes my enemies, who shakes the earth, who goes into battle for me.

Sunday morning I accepted the invitation during worship service to receive prayer. I've been in battle with satan and have become exhausted, incapable of fighting, impotent in power. I need the majestic army of God to stand in battle for me. I need the majestic right arm of God to shatter the enemy. I need the Lord to be "glorious and majestic in deed and for His righteousness to endure forever," Psalm 111:3 Only God has the strength, the authority, the greatness, eminence, illustriousness, sovereign power, magnificent ability to shatter the enemy, my enemy.

I want the majestic Lord to go into battle for me. I want the majestic Lord to stand in my place and fight. For He doesn't become exhausted, he continues forever! I will rely upon the majesty of God. I will think upon the majesty of God. His majesty is more than I can fathom. His majesty is worth all my praise.

"The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength." Psalm 93:1

"Out of the north he comes in splendor; God comes in awesome majesty." Job 37:22

"To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 25

Why not chose Him to go into battle for you? You can't lose with God as your commander, your general, your chief! The victory already belongs to the Majestic Lord. GOD WINS!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

I've struggled with love over the years. It is a simple subject yet so difficult to put into action. Years ago, I prayed that God would put love into my heart for others. It helped! God gave me a deeper appreciation and respect for others, His church and this world. Eventhough, God gave me a portion of love for others, I still have far more growing to do. This year's challenge has awakened my eyes to the lack of love in my life. I understand the significance of love, the command to love, yet I struggle to humble myself, to put my own desires aside for the good of others. I am selfish and unloving.

There are a few verses that stand out in my mind when I think about love. The first verse comes from 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. It states, "If I can speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all my possession to the poor, or surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." What good am I to God, to you, or myself if I have not love? I don't want to be nothing or useless. I am useless and worthless without love.

I feel that there is no way for me to love without the love of God. It isn't natural or easy for me or any person (in my opinion) to love. I believe love is of God and from God. Therefore without God, love is foreign to us, to me. Without God, I can not know anything about love, how to love or to be loved. "We love because he first loved us," 1 John 4:19.

So eventhough nothing about me is loveable or capable of love, God loves me. He loves me first and teaches me about love. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8." "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us," 1 John 3:16a.

This type of love is unfathomable. I can't comprehend the depth of God's love. Jesus expressed to his disciples before giving up his own life upon the cross that gving one's life for another is the greatest love. He teaches us to lay down our lives, to humble ourselves, our own agendas, needs, desires for others. "My command is this, Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," John 15:12-13.

I am supposed to love you, all others, as Jesus has loved me! How? I don't know how! Or do I? It begins with God. I must stay with God. I must reside with God. Love derives from God. I can only find love, the love that I can and must share with others, in God. Only if I dwell with God, will I be able to love others.

Why? 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a mulititude of sins." Huh? "Love is patient, love is kind. It doens't envy, it doesn't boast, it is not proud. it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it isn't easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres," 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love, the love of God, keeps us from sin. God's love prevents sin. If I am loving at its fullness, like God, I will not sin. How great is this love!

Even better, "How great is the love of the Father has lavished on us that we should be called chilren of God," 1 John 3:1.

Friday, March 12, 2010

I am now beginning week 11. The year has not been simple. I have fallen two weeks behind in postings. I struggle to dwell daily in the word of God. I am failing to meditate daily of the weekly words to fuel my mind. Please pray for me as I continue the challenge. Pray for transformation by the end of the year.

I am doing well to avoid the foods on my restriction list. I have had many weak moments but pushed through successfully. Only once have I failed. I ate cake for Michael's brithday. In my defense, I made him two very large and very delicious cakes. My slice was conservative! : ) I;m avoiding certain foods for two more weeks. Then I will allow a week long break before beginning the next series.

I've tried fasting. It is difficult. I haven't completed the number of fasts I set out to complete. Some fasts were food related while others restricted television. I find myself looking for distraction from the weakness in my flesh. However, I think God wants us to feel our weakness so that we can call upon Him and recognize His strength. When I distract myself from the weakened flesh during a fast, I fail to focus on God. So, I need to make adjustments when I fast.

On a good note, I went to the dentist last week for the first time in 7 years! I received a good report on my dental health and made an appoint for six months from now. I am developing a new healthy habit (flossing). I recommend flossing!

Thank you to all my readers. You give me encouragement to be steadfast.

Is there anything pure left in this world? Perhaps this sounds cynical? Hear me out! For something to be pure it must be free from any adulterant, anything that taints, impairs, or infects. Something pure it must be clear, simple, faultless, perfect, and blameless. Being pure means to be genuine, unmingled, unmixed, undiluted, fair, true, immaculate, stainless, and spotless.

By definition, I can assure you, nothing in my life or about my life is pure. Nothing about me is unadulterated or untainted. Just by turning on my television I become subjected to the adulterated/tainted ways of this world. If you don't believe this, turn on your television! Better yet, don't!!! Even if you turned on your television to watch the news, you will find murder and molestation, teft, greed, addiction, and slander. What is so pure about any of these things?

Again, my life isn't pure. It is far from simple, clear, faultless or perfection. Will I ever be considered blameless? As much as I might pretend or wish, I am not blameless. Even my good intentions can damage someone. Perhaps you think this is pessimistic as well. Consider, have you ever offended someone or hurt someone by accident or when trying to do good or to be helpful? It happens. This world is not pure and the effects of sin ripples.

This world is mingled, mixed, diluted, unfair, untrue, stained, and spotted. Why do you think our Lord called Israel to be separated from other nations? He called them to purity: to worship Him alone and to have the pure life that comes only by being fully saturated in God and unmingled with the rest of the world.

Why would God call His people to do the impossible? All people live in this world. Who can be separated from it? Maybe that is the point! We can't be pure! Nothing about our lives or this world is blameless nor can be pure. Only God is pure and makes things blameless.

"And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-if indeed you continue in faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel." Colossians 1:21-23

"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him." Ephesians 1:4

"Do all things without grumbling and disputing; so that yo uwill prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16

Notice: before Jesus we (everyone of us) were estranged and opossed to God in mind and behavior. Our desire to do our own thing rather than God's will, separated us from Him and made us unfriendly toward God. Yet what did God do? Did God say to his beloved creation, "Okay, suffer. I didn't want you anyway! Burn."

On the contrary, he continued to love all of us, his very enemies. "He demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 He could not wait until we stopped sinning to bring us back to him as friends and family. It couldn't happen. It is not possible for us to make ourselves pure, blamesless, holy, unspotted, untainted, unadulterated.

If you find yourself to be in midst of this adulterated world, living a life hostile toward God; know that He has done all you need to become blameless and pure before him. You don't have to live as an enemy of God any longer. You don't have to be tainted. You don't have to burn with the ways of this world nor eternally in the next. God doesn't want to throw you into the fire. He wants to keep you.

Christ died for you. Christ died for me. Only Christ can present you and I blameless before God. Only Christ empowers us to to live by faith and steadfast until His return. Only Christ shows us how to be blameless and pure, for he is blameless and pure. For this reason, we must talk to Him daily, study his life so that we can immitate it. We must read the word of God. It is a living word that will teach us to be pure. "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peacable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." James 3:17

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and don not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Retore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:10-13